Dolly Parton: My talented goddaughter Miley is just trying to find her way

Dolly Parton has hit back at critics of her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, insisting the young singer is “just trying to find her own place”.

The 20-year-old has come under fire since shaking off her child star image with a series of provocative performances, culminating in her twerking routine with Robin Thicke at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, is a good friend of country legend Parton, and made her Miley’s godmother.

Parton remains close to her goddaughter, who she said was more intelligent than many realise.

In an interview with the Standard, she said: “I’ve loved her through the years and watched her grow up, and I’ve seen how smart she is and how talented she is.

Supportive: Dolly Parton remains close to her goddaughter (Picture: Broadimage/Rex)
“I don’t think people really realise yet what a great singer and writer she really is.”

Parton insisted she did not need to give Cyrus career advice, saying: “She’s just trying to find her own place and wings and learn to fly.

“If she needs my opinion on something I will surely give it and there have been times we’ve talked.

“But I would never dream of calling her and saying, ‘Well why are you doing this?’ or, ‘You shouldn’t do this or that’.” Despite the controversy, Cyrus topped the UK singles and album charts with Wrecking Ball and Bangerz respectively.

Parton, 67, said she knew what she was doing. She said: “I know that she has thought this all through. We’ll let her go and do her own thing.”

Transformation: Miley Cyrus shows off her new look (Picture: Henry Lamb/Photowire/BEI/Rex)
Parton added that she “would love for her to sing my songs”, saying: “I would love to do some duets with her. I would love to sing with her and write with her because I think she is so gifted.

“It’s not easy being young. It’s hard to know what to do. You’ve almost got to sacrifice your damn soul just to get anything done.”

Parton was speaking as she announced a series of UK dates as part of a European tour next year, which she admitted could be the last time she performs in London.

She said: “I never know when I’m going to stop doing the touring part. And I thought, ‘Well, I’m gonna go on back because it may be a long, long time before I get the chance to again’.”